You are probably reading this because you recently discovered the amazingly fun, yet challenging, sport of disc golf. It seems so simple, take that plastic disc and throw it, right? I bet after ten minutes you also discovered it isn’t quite that simple. How do I throw it so it goes more than 100 feet. Why can’t I make it fly straight? Geez, these discs all fly different! Well, we all felt the same way (if you didn’t, I don’t have words to express my jealousy =P). So, I understand the frustration very well. So I will make it a little easier the next time out and direct you to several really good resources that will have you huking out big drives and draining putts in no time.
First and foremost, take some time and check out some of my older posts to the right side of the screen and my page on The Backhand (check the button at the top of the screen). I have a full array of good videos from around the net that really do give alot of insight on the game. But for now, I’ll just pretend you’ve watched all those and are ready for more insight.
Next, you should definitely check out Motodom.com’s page on angle of release here! How you release the disc (amount of power, angle, ect…) is probably the most important part of your success or failure on any given shot.
Then, you can either buy every disc on the market and throw them all or you can simply do a little research and get an idea of what any particular disc does before shelling out cash for it. There are several resources I like to use for this. There is one at discgolfreview.com, or check out this nifty page on discgolfdirectory.com with a flight stability chart, or my personal favorite flight stability chart at marshallstreetdiscgolf.com (it’s a cool sight all around, keep up the great work guys).
Lastly, you could do yourself a world of good and visit what I like to think of as “the big three” of disc golf. Most importantly, the official website of the Professional Disc Golf Association and find the lastest news on tournaments and happenings. Don’ t forget to download the 2010 official rule book. The other two big wigs are Innova and Discraft, the leading manufactures in the industry and chances are it’s one of their discs that you threw when you started playing.
Hopefully this has given you enough motivation and knowledge that your most of your frustration can be transformed into motivation. As always though, my best advice to any disc golfer is practice. You don’t need to go to the course either. If you don’t have a basket to practice putting, you can always pick out a target, like a tree or pole, in your backyard. Then, any old open space can do to practice driving. The more you throw, the more you’ll know.